Police caught machete yob Lee Mapstone within hours of issuing an appeal to track him down.

The 20-year-old was wanted on recall to prison. He was sentenced to 27 months behind bars last year for assaulting a Co-op worker and brandishing a 3ft machete near a Penhill play park.

Within five hours of the appeal being issued by Wiltshire Police information provided by the public led officers to a house in Swindon where Mapstone was arrested.

He was taken to Gablecross police station.

Supt Phil Staynings said: "We had a really positive response to our earlier appeal and I'd like to personally thank the public for providing us with information which resulted in Mapstone being arrested this evening.

"I hope this provides the public with confidence in reporting issues and concerns to us - your call will be treated in confidence and you can also give information anonymously if you prefer, and we will take action."

Last year, Mapstone was jailed for 27 months after he admitted affray, possession of a knife and other offences.

He had been given a chance by a judge in late February despite driving along the pavement as he raced away from police.

But within a month he assaulted a young shop worker who confronted him over stealing and 10 days later he was in the street near a school with the huge knife.

Then 18, the youngster already had 72 previous convictions.